Abstract:

A colored contact lens having a non-opaque pupil section, an iris section
surrounding said pupil section, and a colored, opaque, intermittent
pattern over the iris section which is indiscernible to the ordinary
viewer. The pattern is made up of a first portion having a first shade, a
second portion having a second shade different from the first shade, and
a third portion having a shade different from the second portion and
either the same or different from the first portion. A first uneven
border differentiates the first and second portions, and a second uneven
border differentiates the second and third portions, however, said
portions may overlap. The lens is capable of changing appearance of the
iris of the person wearing the lens.

Claims:

1. A colored contact lens comprising a non-opaque pupil section, an iris
section surrounding said pupil section, and a colored, opaque
intermittent pattern over said entire iris section that leaves a
substantial portion within the interstices of the pattern non-opaque,
said pattern covering at least about 25% of the area of said iris
section, the elements of said pattern being indiscernible to the ordinary
viewer, wherein a first portion of the elements of said pattern is a
first shade, a second portion of the elements of said pattern is a second
shade different from said first shade, and a third portion of the
elements of said pattern is a third shade different from said second
shade and either the same or different from said first shade, wherein
said first portion is located generally on the outside of said iris
section, and said second portion is located generally on the inside of
said first portion, and said third portion is located generally on the
inside of said second portion of said iris section, and a first uneven
border differentiates said first and second portions, wherein the minimum
distance of said first uneven border, created by said third portion, from
the outer perimeter of said iris section is from about 5% to about 60% of
the radial width of said iris section, and the maximum distance of said
first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section is from
about 25% to about 95% of the radial width of said iris section, and a
second uneven border differentiates said second and third portions,
wherein the minimum distance of said second uneven border, created by
said first portion, from the outer perimeter of said iris section is from
about 15% to about 75% of the radial width of said iris section, and the
maximum distance of said second uneven border from the outer perimeter of
said iris section is from about 50% to about 95% of the radial width of
said iris section, such that said first portion overlaps said second
portion at a plurality of locations, and said second portion overlaps
said third portion at a plurality of locations, thereby providing a lens
capable of changing the apparent color of the iris of a person wearing
the lens and imparting a very natural appearance.

2. The colored contact lens of claim 1 wherein the minimum distance of
said first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section is
from about 15% to about 50% of the radial width of said iris, and the
maximum distance of said first uneven border from the outer perimeter of
said iris section is from about 45% to about 95% of the radial width of
said iris section, and the minimum distance of said second uneven border
from the outer perimeter of said iris section is from about 15% to about
65% of the radial width of said iris section, and the maximum distance of
said second uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section
is from about 60% to about 95% of the radial width of the iris section.

3. The colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
elements of the pattern are dots.

4. The colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
elements of the pattern are not uniform, thereby allowing enhancement of
the fine structure of the iris.

5. The colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first
shade is black, said second shade is a color selected from the group
consisting of blue, green, gray or brown, and said third shade is hazel.

6. The colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
non-opaque interstices are uncolored.

7. A colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first
shade is the same shade as said third shade.

9. A colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein the elements
of the pattern are transparent.

10. A colored contact lens in accordance with claim 1 wherein said colored
contact is hydrophilic.

11. A method for manufacturing a colored contact lens comprising providing
a transparent contact lens, applying three portions of colorant to the
surface of said contact lens, and rendering the colorant resistant to
removal from ocular fluids, wherein the contact lens has a non-opaque
pupil section and an iris section surrounding said pupil section, the
improvement comprising applying the three portions of colorant, wherein a
first portion of the colorant is of a first shade, and a second portion
of the colorant is of a second shade which is different than the second
shade, and the third portion of the colorant is of a third shade which is
different than the second shade and may or may not be the same as said
first shade, wherein said first portion is located generally on the
outside of said iris section, said second portion is located generally on
the inside of said first portion, and said third portion is located
generally on the inside of said second portion, and a first uneven border
differentiates said first and second portions, and a second uneven border
differentiates said second and said third portions, wherein the minimum
distance of said first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said
iris section is from about 5% to about 60% of the radial width of said
iris section, and the maximum distance of said uneven border from the
outer perimeter of said iris section is from about 25% to about 95% of
the radial width of said iris section, and the minimum distance of said
second uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section is
from about 15% to about 75% of the radial width of said iris section, and
the maximum distance of said uneven border from the outer perimeter of
said iris section is from about 50% to about 95% of the radial width of
said iris section, thereby providing a lens capable of changing the
apparent color of the iris of a person wearing the lens and imparting a
very natural appearance, wherein the intermittent pattern is deposited on
the lens surface by the steps of:a) providing a first plate having
depressions corresponding to the first portion;b) filling the depressions
with colorant of the first shade;c) pressing a first flexible pad against
the first plate;d) pressing the first flexible pad against a surface of
the lens thereby printing the first portion of the elements;e) providing
a second plate having depressions corresponding to the second portion;f)
filling in the depressions with colorant of the second shade;g) pressing
a second flexible pad against a second plate;h) pressing the second
flexible pad against said surface of the lens thereby printing the second
portion of the elements;i) providing a third plate having depressions
corresponding to the third portion;j) filling the depressions with
colorant of the third shade;k) pressing a third flexible pad against a
third plate; andl) pressing the third flexible pad against said surface
of the lens thereby printing the third portion of the elements.

12. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 11 wherein the three portions of colorant cover at least about 50%
of the surface of the iris section lens.

13. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 11 wherein the three portions of colorant cover at least about 60%
of the surface of the iris section of the lens.

14. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 11 wherein the portions of colorant cover up to 80% of the surface
of the iris section of the lens.

15. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 11 wherein the colored contact lens is hydrophilic.

16. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 11 wherein one or more of the portions of colorant are transparent.

17. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 11 wherein said first shade is black, said second shade is a color
selected from the group consisting of blue, green, gray or brown, and
said third shade is hazel.

18. A method for manufacturing a colored contact lens comprising providing
a transparent contact lens, applying three portions of colorant to the
surface of said contact lens, and rendering the colorant resistant to
removal from ocular fluids, wherein the contact lens has a non-opaque
pupil section and an iris section surrounding said pupil section, the
improvement comprising applying the three portions of colorant, wherein a
first portion of the colorant is of a first shade, and a second portion
of the colorant is of a second shade which is different than the second
shade, and the third portion of the colorant is of a third shade which is
different than the second shade and may or may not be the same as said
first shade, wherein said first portion is located generally on the
outside of said iris section, said second portion is located generally on
the inside of said first portion, and said third portion is located
generally on the inside of said second portion, and a first uneven border
differentiates said first and second portions, and a second uneven border
differentiates said second and said third portions, wherein the minimum
distance of said first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said
iris section is from about 15% to about 50% of the radial width of said
iris section, and the maximum distance of said uneven border from the
outer perimeter of said iris section is from about 45% to about 95% of
the radial width of said iris section, and the minimum distance of said
second uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section is
from about 15% to about 65% of the radial width of said iris section, and
the maximum distance of said uneven border from the outer perimeter of
said iris section is from about 60% to about 95% of the radial width of
said iris section, thereby providing a lens capable of changing the
apparent color of the iris of a person wearing the lens and imparting a
very natural appearance, wherein the intermittent pattern is deposited on
the lens surface by the steps of:a) providing a first plate having
depressions corresponding to the first portion;b) filling the depressions
with colorant of the first shade;c) pressing a first flexible pad against
the first plate;d) pressing the first flexible pad against a surface of
the lens thereby printing the first portion of the elements;e) providing
a second plate having depressions corresponding to the second portion;f)
filling in the depressions with colorant of the second shade;g) pressing
a second flexible pad against a second plate;h) pressing the second
flexible pad against said surface of the lens thereby printing the second
portion of the elements;i) providing a third plate having depressions
corresponding to the third portion;j) filling the depressions with
colorant of the third shade;k) pressing a third flexible pad against a
third plate; andl) pressing the third flexible pad against said surface
of the lens thereby printing the third portion of the elements.

19. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 18 wherein the three portions of colorant cover at least about 50%
of the surface of the iris section lens.

20. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 18 wherein the three portions of colorant cover at least about 60%
of the surface of the iris section of the lens.

21. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 18 wherein the portions of colorant cover up to 80% of the surface
of the iris section of the lens.

22. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 18 wherein the colored contact lens is hydrophilic.

23. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 18 wherein one or more of the portions of colorant are transparent.

24. The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance with
claim 18 wherein said first shade is black, said second shade is a color
selected from the group consisting of blue, green, gray or brown, and
said third shade is hazel.

25. A colored contact lens comprising a non-opaque pupil section, an iris
section surrounding said pupil section, and a colored, opaque
intermittent pattern over said entire iris section, said pattern covering
at least about 25% of the area of said iris section, the elements of said
pattern being indiscernible to the ordinary viewer, wherein a first
portion of the elements of said pattern is a first shade, a second
portion of the elements of said pattern is a second shade different from
said first shade, and a third portion of the elements of said pattern is
a third shade different from said second shade and either the same or
different from said first shade, wherein said first portion, an outermost
starburst, is located generally on the outside of said iris section and
generally on the outside of said second portion, and said second portion,
an outer starburst, is located generally on the inside of said first
portion, and said third portion, an inner starburst, is located generally
on the inside of said second portion of said iris section, and a first
uneven border differentiates said outermost starburst and said outer
starburst, and a second uneven border differentiates said outer starburst
and said inner starburst, such that said outermost starburst overlaps
said outer starburst at a plurality of locations, and said outer
starburst overlaps said inner starburst at a plurality of locations,
thereby providing a lens capable of changing the apparent color of the
iris of a person wearing the lens and imparting a very natural
appearance.

26. The colored contact lens in claim 25, wherein said outer starburst
comprises an annular ring having an outer and inner border being
substantially circular.

27. A colored contact lens comprising a non-opaque pupil section, an iris
section surrounding said pupil section, and a colored, opaque
intermittent pattern over said entire iris section that leaves a
substantial portion within the interstices of the pattern non-opaque,
said pattern covering at least about 25% of the area of said iris
section, the elements of said pattern being indiscernible to the ordinary
viewer, wherein a first portion of the elements of said pattern is a
first shade, a second portion of the elements of said pattern is a second
shade different from said first shade, and a third portion of the
elements of said pattern is a third shade different from said second
shade and either the same or different from said first shade, wherein
said first portion is located generally on the outside of said iris
section, and said second portion is located generally on the inside of
said first portion, and said third portion is located generally on the
inside of said second portion of said iris section, and a first uneven
border differentiates said first and second portions, wherein the minimum
distance of said first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said
iris section is from about 5% to about 50% of the radial width of said
iris section, and the maximum distance of said first uneven border from
the outer perimeter of said iris section is from about 50% to about 85%
of the radial width of said iris section, and a second uneven border
differentiates said second and third portions, wherein the minimum
distance of said second uneven border from the outer perimeter of said
iris section is from about 15% to about 50% of the radial width of said
iris section, and the maximum distance of said second uneven border from
the outer perimeter of said iris section is from about 50% to about 95%
of the radial width of said iris section, such that said first portion
overlaps said second portion at a plurality of locations, and said second
portion overlaps said third portion at a plurality of locations, thereby
providing a lens capable of changing the apparent color of the iris of a
person wearing the lens and imparting a very natural appearance.

28. A colored contact lens having three substantially annular concentric
color zones, a first color zone, a second color zone and a third color
zone, comprising:a) said first color zone located interior to said second
color zone and said third color zone, said first color zone having a
starburst pattern such that a plurality of digits extend radially
outward, such that the first color zone shares a radial area with the
second color zone, wherein the digits of the first color zone and the
second color zone are interdigitated, and do not overlap;b) said second
color zone situated between the first color zone and the third color
zone, having an annular pattern such that a plurality of digits extend
radially inward in the direction of the first color zone, and radially
outward in the direction of the third color zone, such that the second
color zone shares a radial area with the first color zone and with the
third color zone, wherein the colors of the first color zone and the
second color zone are interdigitated, and do not overlap, and the digits
of the second color zone and the third color zone are interdigitated, and
do not overlap;c) said third color zone situated substantially exterior
to both the second color zone and the first color zone, having an annular
pattern such that a plurality of digits extend radially inward in the
direction of the second color zone, such that the third color zone shares
a radial area with the second color zone, wherein the digits of the first
color zone and the second color zone are interdigitated, and do not
overlap.

29. The contact lens of claim 28 wherein the digits of the first color
zone share a radial area with the digits of the third color zone.

30. The contact lens of claim 29 wherein the digits of the third color
zone share a radial area with the digits of the first color zone.

31. The contact lens of claim 30 further comprising a fourth zone having
substantially the same color as the second color zone, said fourth zone
extending radially outward from said third color zone, wherein said
fourth zone shares a jagged border with the third color zone.

32. The contact lens of claim 31 wherein the colorant of the third color
zone becomes lighter as the digits extend radially inward.

Description:

[0001]This application is based on pending prior Provisional Application
No. 60/077,829, filed on Mar. 12, 1998. Priority is based thereon.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates to colored contact lenses and in
particular to such lenses having opaque colored portions that are able to
change the apparent color of the wearers iris while imparting a very
natural appearance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]Early attempts to modify or enhance the color of one's eyes utilized
colored contact lenses with a simple solidly colored area that covered
the iris of the users eyes. However, contact lenses with this type of
opaque coloring imparted a very unnatural appearance. Other types of
colored contact lenses were developed, such as Wichterle, U.S. Pat. No.
3,679,504, which discloses an opaque lens having an, iris of more than a
single color artistically drawn or photographically reproduced. However,
such lenses never achieved commercial success. Other attempts to produce
an opaque lens with a natural appearance are disclosed in. U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,536,386, (Spivak); 3,712,718 (LeGrand), 4,460,523 (Neefe), 4,719,657
(Bawa), 4,744,647 (Meshel et al.), 4,634,449 (Jenkins); European Patent
Publication No. 0 309 154 (Allergan) and U.K. Patent Application No. 2
202 540 A (IGEL).

[0004]Commercial success was achieved by the colored contact lens
described in Knapp (in U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,402) which discloses a contact
lens having, in its preferred embodiment, colored, opaque dots. The Knapp
lens provides a natural appearance with a lens that is simple and
inexpensive to produce, using a simple one-color printed dot pattern.
Although the intermittent pattern of dots does' not fully cover the iris,
it provides a sufficient density of dots that a masking effect gives the
appearance of a continuous color when viewed by an ordinary observer.
Knapp also discloses that the printing step may be repeated one or
more-times using different patterns in different colors, since upon close
examination the iris's of many persons are found to contain more than one
color. The printed pattern need not be absolutely uniform, allowing for
enhancement of the fine structure of the iris. The one-color Knapp lenses
currently achieving commercial success have their dots arranged in an
irregular pattern to enhance the structure of the iris. However, neither
the Knapp commercial lenses, nor the Knapp patent disclose or suggest how
one would arrange a pattern of dots having more than one color to achieve
a more natural appearance.

[0005]Various efforts have been made to improve on the Knapp lens. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,414,477 to Jahnke discloses the application of the
intermittent ink pattern in two or more portions of distinct shades of
colorant to provide a more natural appearance.

[0006]Other attempts to create a more natural appearing lens include U.S.
Pat. No. 5,120,121 to Rawlings which discloses a cluster of
interconnecting lines radiating from the periphery of the pupil portion
to the periphery of the iris portion. Further, European Patent No. 0 472
496 A2 shows a contact lens having a pattern of lines that attempts to
replicate the lines found in the iris.

[0007]Despite these efforts, the contact lens industry continues to seek a
low-cost, colored lens that can enhance or modify the eye color, while
providing the depth and texture that is inherent in the human iris.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that
multiple-color opaque patterns can achieve a more natural appearing iris
if configured properly. The improvement in appearance over the one-color
Knapp lenses and the two color Jahnke lenses is startling. Like the one
and two color lenses, the lenses of this invention are able to cause a
fundamental change in the apparent color of the wearer's iris, e.g. from
dark brown to light blue or green. Although the preferred embodiment of
the invention is a three color lens wherein different colors overlap,
more than three colors are contemplated, and lenses wherein all three (or
more) of the different colors overlap are also contemplated.

[0009]One objective of the invention is to provide a colored contact lens
with a non-opaque pupil section, an iris section surrounding the pupil
section, and a colored, opaque intermittent pattern over the iris
section. The elements of the pattern are indiscernible to the ordinary
viewer and are made up of a first portion of the elements of the pattern,
or the outermost starburst, which is a first shade, and a second portion
of the elements of the pattern, or the outer starburst, which is a second
shade different from said first shade, and a third portion of the
elements of the pattern, or the inner starburst, which is a third shade
different from said first shade and either different or the same as the
second shade. The outermost starburst is located generally on the outside
of the iris section and generally outside of the outer starburst, and the
outer starburst is located generally on the outside of the inner
starburst. A first uneven border differentiates the outermost and outer
starbursts, although there is overlap of the outermost and outer
starbursts. A second uneven border differentiates the outer and inner
starbursts, although there is overlap between the outer and inner
starbursts. Thus, a lens capable of changing the apparent color of the
iris of a person wearing the lens and imparting a very natural appearance
is provided.

[0010]Another objective of the invention is to provide a colored contact
lens with a non-opaque pupil section, an iris section surrounding the
pupil section, and a colored, opaque intermittent pattern over the iris
section, that leaves a substantial portion within the interstices of the
pattern non-opaque. The pattern covers at least about 25 percent of the
area of the iris section. The elements of the pattern are indiscernible
to the ordinary viewer. A first portion of the elements of the pattern,
or the outermost starburst, is of a first shade, and a second portion of
the elements of the pattern, or the outer starburst, is of a second shade
different from said first shade, and a third portion of the elements of
the pattern, or the inner starburst, is of a third shade different from
said first shade and either different or the same as the second shade.
The outermost starburst is located generally on the outside of iris
section and generally on the outside of the outer starburst, and the
outer starburst is located generally on the outside of the inner
starburst. A first uneven border differentiates the outermost and outer
starbursts although the outermost and outer starbursts overlap, and a
second uneven border differentiates the outer and inner starbursts
although the outer and inner starbursts overlap. The minimum distance of
the first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section is
from about 5% to about 60% of the radial width of said iris section. The
maximum distance of the first uneven border from the outer perimeter of
said iris section is from about 25% to about 95% of the radial width of
the iris section. The minimum distance of the second uneven border from
the outer perimeter of the iris section is from about 15% to about 75% of
the radial width of the iris section, and the maximum distance of said
second uneven border from the outer perimeter of the iris section is from
about 50% to about 95% of the radial width of the iris section. Thus, a
contact lens capable of changing the apparent color of the iris of a
person wearing the lens and imparting a very natural appearance is
provided.

[0011]Another objective of the invention is to provide a colored contact
lens with a non-opaque pupil section, an iris section surrounding the
pupil section, and a colored, opaque intermittent pattern over the iris
section, that leaves a substantial portion within the interstices of the
pattern non-opaque. The pattern covers at least about 25 percent of the
area of the iris section. The elements of the pattern are indiscernible
to the ordinary viewer. A first portion of the elements of the pattern,
or the outermost starburst, is of a first shade, and a second portion of
the elements of the pattern, or the outer starburst, is of a second shade
different from said first shade, and a third portion of the elements of
the pattern, or the inner starburst, is of a third shade different from
said first shade and either different or the same as the second shade.
The outermost starburst is located generally on the outside of iris
section and generally on the outside of the outer starburst, and the
outer starburst is located generally on the outside of the inner
starburst. A first uneven border differentiates the outermost and outer
starbursts although the outermost and outer starbursts overlap, and a
second uneven border differentiates the outer and inner starbursts
although the outer and inner starbursts overlap. The minimum distance of
the first uneven border from the outer perimeter of said iris section is
from about 15% to about 50% of the radial width of said iris section. The
maximum distance of the first uneven border from the outer perimeter of
said iris section is from about 45% to about 95% of the radial width of
the iris section. The minimum distance of the second uneven border from
the outer perimeter of the iris section is from about 15% to about 65% of
the radial width of the iris section, and the maximum distance of said
second uneven border from the outer perimeter of the iris section is from
about 60% to about 95% of the radial width of the iris section. Thus, a
contact lens capable of changing the apparent color of the iris of a
person wearing the lens and imparting a very natural appearance is
provided.

[0012]The term "non-opaque" as used herein is intended to describe a part
of the lens that is uncolored or colored with translucent coloring.

[0013]The term "second shade different from said first shade" (or some
similar language) as used herein is intended to mean that both shades are
of totally different colors, such as blue and hazel; or that both shades
are the same basic color, but having different intensities such as light
blue and dark blue.

[0014]The term "ordinary viewer" is intended to mean a person having
normal 20-20 vision standing about 5 feet from a person wearing the
lenses of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates a contact lens pattern in accordance with the
present invention;

[0019]FIG. 1 shows a contact lens 10 in accordance with the present
invention. It has a non-opaque pupil section 20 in the center of lens,
and an annular iris section 22 surrounding the pupil section. For
hydrophilic lenses a peripheral section (not shown) surrounds iris
section 22. A colored, opaque, intermittent pattern is located over the
iris section 22, as show in FIG. 1. The pattern leaves a substantial
portion of the iris section within the interstices of the pattern
non-opaque. The non-opaque areas of the iris section 22 appear white in
FIG. 1.

[0020]The elements of the pattern are preferably dots, and especially
preferred are dots, some of which run together, as shown in FIG. 1.
Certain portions of the iris section 22 are less densely covered with
dots than other portions. The less densely covered portions form
approximately radial spokes. This arrangement enhances the structure of
the iris of a person wearing the lens.

[0021]Of course, the opaque pattern may be comprised of dots having any
shape, regular or irregular, such as round, square, hexagonal, elongated,
etc. Further, the elements of the pattern may have a shape other than
dots, so long as the elements are indiscernible to the ordinary viewer,
cover at least about 25 percent of the iris, and leave a substantial
portion of the iris section within the interstices of the pattern
non-opaque.

[0022]The improvement of this invention is a multiple color pattern that
greatly improves the natural appearance of the wearer's iris, even over
that of one and two color lenses. To produce this three (or more) color
pattern, dots (or some other element) are printed in three or more
portions or color zones. A first portion of the elements are of a first
shade and are located generally on the outside of the iris section, i.e.
at or near the outer perimeter of the annular iris section, and may be
referred to as the outermost starburst. A preferable first outside
portion pattern or outermost starburst is shown in FIG. 2. Black is most
often used as the color of the outermost starburst. A second portion of
the elements are of a second shade different from the first shade and are
located generally on the inside of the outermost starburst, and generally
surrounded by the outermost starburst portion. A preferable second inside
portion pattern or outer starburst appears in FIG. 3. The outer starburst
can be many colors, for example, blue, gray, brown or green. A third
portion of the elements are of a third shade different from the second
shade and either the same or different from the first shade are located
generally on the inside of the outer starburst, and generally surrounded
by the outer starburst portion. A preferable third inside portion pattern
or inner starburst appears in FIG. 4. The preferred color for the inner
starburst is hazel. FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, shows a combination of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

[0023]A first uneven border differentiates the outermost starburst and the
outer starburst portions of the pattern elements, however, the outermost
and outer starbursts overlap. A second uneven border differentiates the
outer starburst and the inner starburst portions of the pattern, however,
the outer and inner starbursts overlap. If the patterns of FIGS. 2, 3 and
4 are merged to form a three color lens, the uneven edge of the pattern
shown in FIG. 2 will merge and overlap with the pattern shown in FIG. 3
to form the first uneven border between the outermost and outer
starbursts. Further, the uneven edge of the pattern shown in FIG. 4 will
merge and overlap with the pattern shown in FIG. 3 to form the second
uneven border between the outer and inner starbursts.

[0024]In certain cases, the outer starburst may contain pattern that
extends further toward the periphery of the lens than the pattern of the
outermost starburst. In certain cases, the outer starburst may contain
pattern that extends further toward the pupil section of the lens than
the pattern of the inner starburst.

[0025]Alternative embodiments of the present invention include minimum and
maximum distances of the uneven borders from the outer perimeter of the
iris section. For example in one alternative embodiment, the minimum
distance of the first uneven border from the outer perimeter of the iris
section is from about 5% to about 60% of the radial width of the iris
section, and the maximum distance of the uneven border from the outer
perimeter of the iris section is from about 25% to about 95% of the
radial width of the iris section, and the minimum distance of the second
uneven border from the outer perimeter of the iris section is from about
15% to about 75% of the radial width of the iris section, and the maximum
distance of the uneven border from the outer perimeter of the iris
section is from about 50% to about 95% of the radial width of the iris
section.

[0026]In another embodiment the minimum distance of the first uneven
border from the outer perimeter of the iris section is from about 15% to
about 50% of the radial width of the iris section, and the maximum
distance of the uneven border from the outer perimeter of the iris
section is from about 45% to about 95% of the radial width of the iris
section, and the minimum distance of the second uneven border from the
outer perimeter of the iris section is from about 15% to about 65% of the
radial width of the iris section, and the maximum distance of the uneven
border from the outer perimeter of the iris section is from about 60% to
about 95% of the radial width of the iris section.

[0027]In yet another alternative embodiment, the outer starburst pattern
stretches closer to the periphery of the contact lens than the outermost
starburst pattern, and/or the outer starburst pattern stretches closer to
the pupil section than the inner starburst pattern.

[0028]In yet another alternative embodiment, the inner starburst pattern
creates an interdigitation configuration with either the outermost
starburst pattern or the outer starburst pattern or both patterns.
Further, the outermost starburst pattern may create a interdigitation
configuration with the outer starburst pattern. In an interdigitation
configuration, one pattern intersects another similar to the fingers on
one hand placed between the fingers on the other hand in a planar
fashion. Further, a fourth zone may be utilized in which the fourth zone
is the same or different color as the second zone. The fourth zone is
interdigitated with the third zone.

[0029]Producing the opaque portions of the iris section is preferably
accomplished by printing the lens three times using the known printing
process of Knapp's U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,402, incorporated herein by
reference, and the known printing process of Rawling's U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,034,166 and 5,116,112, incorporated herein by reference. Generally, a
plate or cliche having depressions in the desired pattern is smeared with
ink of the desired shade. Excess ink is removed by scrapping the surface
of the plate with a doctor blade leaving the depression filled with ink.
A silicon rubber pad is pressed against the plate to pick up the ink from
the depressions and then is pressed against a surface of the lens to
transfer the pattern to the lens. The printed pattern is then cured to
render it unremovable from the lens. Of course, either the anterior or
posterior surfaces of the lens may be printed, but printing the anterior
surface is presently preferred.

[0030]The preferred lenses and ink ingredients used to practice this
invention are known and described in Loshaek's U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,240,
incorporated herein by reference. The specific ingredients and target
weights are described in detail below. Very briefly, a lens constructed
of polymer having --COOH, --OH, or --NH2 groups is printed with ink
containing binding polymer having the same functional groups, opaque
coloring substance, and a diisocyanate compound. First a mixture of
pigments and solvent is ground milled, and binder polymer(s) are mixed
with it to form a paste. A mixture of monomers and hexamethylene
diisocyanate is added to form an ink. The preferred binding polymer
solutions have a viscosity of about 35,000 CPS for blue, gray, brown and
black, and 50,000 CPS for green. The opaque ink is printed and cured on
the lens surface.

[0031]Ink pastes and pigments which can be utilized in the present
invention can be made in a number of different ways utilizing the
ingredients and percentages (by weight) as described below in the ink
color charts. For example, a hazel ink paste can be made using 63.49
percent binder solution (by weight), 30.00 percent ethyl lactate, 0.61
percent titanium dioxide, 0.06 percent PCN blue, 4.30 percent iron oxide
yellow, and 1.54 percent iron oxide red. Although these colors are used
for the preferred embodiments, other colors or variations of the weight
percentage of ingredients may be used. The charts below are merely a
representative example of the possible pastes and pigment levels, and is
not a complete list. One having ordinary skill in the art could develop
other pastes and pigment levels that would provide an enhancing effect to
the iris of a person wearing the contact lens

[0032]Of course, alternative ways to form colored opaque elements of the
lens may be used. For example, selected portions of the iris section of a
wetted hydrophilic lens may be impregnated with a solution of a first
substance, such as barium chloride. Then the lens may be immersed in a
solution of a second substance, such as sulfuric acid, that forms an
opaque water-insoluble precipitate with the first substance, for example
barium sulfate. Thus an opaque precipitate forms within the lens in a
predetermined pattern in the iris section. Next all or at least the
opaque pattern of the iris section is colored opaque pattern in
accordance with the invention. If the entire iris is colored with
translucent tint, then the interstices within the pattern will be
translucently colored, but still non-opaque and in accordance with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the pupil
section of the lens may be colored by a non-opaque tint, because such
tint is not visible when the lens is against the dark pupil present in
the eye of the wearer. Other alternative opaquing methods include use of
a laser (U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,647) and finely ground particles U.S. Pat.
No. 4,460,523.

[0033]The process of the present invention for making colored contact
lenses is as follows. A transparent contact lens comprising at least a
pupil section and an iris section surrounding the pupil section is
provided.

[0034]If the lens is constructed of a hydrophilic material, it also has a
peripheral section surrounding iris section. For hydrophilic material,
the steps described below are performed with the material in an
unhydrated state. Preferred hydrophilic materials are disclosed by
Loshaek in U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,773, incorporated herein by reference.

[0035]The colored pattern may be deposited onto iris section of the lens
in any manner. The currently preferred method is by offset pad printing,
described below in some detail.

[0036]A plate (not shown) is prepared having flat surface and circular
depressions corresponding to the desired dot pattern. The depressions are
arranged to cover an annular shape corresponding to that of the iris
section of the lens.

[0037]The plate way be made by a technique that is well known for making
integrated analog or digital circuits. First a pattern about 20 times as
large as the desired pattern is prepared. Next the pattern is reduced
using well known photographic techniques to a pattern of the exact
desired size having the portion to be colored darker than the remaining
area. A flat surface is covered by a photo resist material which becomes
water insoluble when exposed to light. The photo resist material is
covered with the pattern and exposed to light. The portion of the photo
resist pattern is removed by washing with water and the resulting plate
is etched to the required depth. Then the remainder of the photo resist
material is mechanically removed.

[0038]Colorant, comprising a pigment and binder or carrier for the pigment
and an adhesion promoter, is deposited on a flat surface of the plate and
scraped across the pattern with a doctor blade. This causes depressions
to be filled with ink while removing excess ink from flat surface. The
colorant may be more or less opaque depending on the degree of color
change desired. The opacity may be varied by modifying the proportion of
pigment to binder in the colorant. It will be recognized that a desired
affect may be obtained using a highly opaque colorant or by having a
somewhat less opaque colorant and covering a greater portion of the iris
section surface.

[0039]A pad made of silicon rubber, impregnated with silicon oil for easy
release, is pressed against the pattern, removing ink from depressions.
The ink on the pad is allowed to dry slightly to improve tackiness, then
pressed against the front surface of the contact lens, depositing the ink
in the desired pattern over the iris section. Of course the pad must have
enough flexibility to deform to fit over the convex front surface of the
lens. The printed pattern need not be absolutely uniform, allowing for
enhancement of the fine structure of the iris.

[0040]Next the deposited pattern is treated to render it resistant to
removal from the lens under exposure to the ocular fluids that the lens
will encounter when placed in the eye. The exact method of preventing
removal depends on the material of construction of the lens and the
pattern. Mere air drying or heating the lens at, for example, 85°
C. for 45 minutes, would suffice. For hydrophilic lenses, the techniques
for coating the opaque pattern described in Loshaek, U.S. Pat. No.
4,668,240 (incorporated herein by reference), may be used.

[0041]The method for manufacturing a colored contact lens in accordance
with the present invention generally includes the steps of applying three
portions of colorant to the surface of a transparent contact lens and
rendering the colorant resistant to removal from ocular fluids. The
printed contact lens will have a non-opaque pupil section and an iris
section surrounding said pupil section with the three portions of
colorant. The first portion of colorant, or outermost starburst, is of a
first shade, the second portion of colorant, the outer starburst, is a
second shade which is different than the first shade, and the third
portion of the colorant, or the inner starburst, is a third shade which
is different than the second shade and may or may not be the same as the
first shade. The outermost starburst will be located generally on the
outside of the iris section and generally on outside of the outer
starburst, the outer starburst will be located generally on the outside
of the inner starburst, and a first uneven border will differentiate the
outermost starburst and the outer starburst although the outermost
starburst and the outer starburst portions will overlap, a second uneven
border will differentiate the outer starburst and the inner starburst
although the outer and inner starbursts will overlap. Thus, a lens
capable of changing the apparent color of the iris of a person wearing
the lens and imparting a very natural appearance will be provided.

[0042]The steps used in order to deposit the intermittent pattern on the
lens surface include using a first plate having depressions corresponding
to the first portion or outermost starburst and filling the depressions
with colorant of the first shade, preferably black. Then, pressing a
first flexible pad against the first plate and subsequently pressing the
first flexible pad against the surface of the lens (either side) thereby
printing the first portion of the elements.

[0043]Next, using a second plate having depressions corresponding to the
second portion or outer starburst and filling in the depressions with
colorant of the second shade which is different from the first shade,
preferably blue green, gray or brown. Next, pressing the second flexible
pad against a second plate and pressing the second flexible pad against
the surface of the lens (either the same or the opposite surface) thereby
printing the second portion of the elements.

[0044]Finally, using a third plate having depressions corresponding to the
third portion or inner starburst and filling the depressions with
colorant of the third shade which is different from the second shade and
is either the same or different from the first shade, preferably hazel.
Pressing a third flexible pad against the third plate and pressing the
third flexible pad against said surface of the lens (either side) thereby
printing the third portion of the elements.

[0045]Although the steps listed above place an order to the printing of
the portions on the lens, the order of printing is not important to the
present invention and any other order of printing would be covered by the
present invention. Further, the process described above may include the
maximum and minimum distances, creating the uneven borders, previously
listed in the alternative embodiments.

[0046]It can be seen that the present invention provides lenses capable of
changing the appearance of the wearers iris, while allowing visualization
of the fine structure thereof. Various changes may be made in the
function and arrangement of parts: equivalent means may be substituted
for those illustrated and described; and certain features may be used
independently from others without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined in the following claims.